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Registrant Jan de Rooij, Gert van Hoef's talented sidekick

A good registrant / page turner is so helpful to an organist, especially when the performance is on an organ that lacks presets and other conveniences. Jan de Rooij has been at Gert van Hoef's side through myriads of concerts, practices, and video sessions. There may be no better organist / registrant team - the two are so "in tune" with each other that it is a joy to behold.

In this video, Gert seems to give Jan "great registration" smiles during an impromptu improvisation of three tunes. Yes, there is one "glare", but I doubt it was about Jan's work.This video shows how well Gert and Jan work together!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry6M2jivj6c

the second video is during an "open church day" - a time when area churches open their doors for people to visit and learn about the churches - a great idea! Note the sounds of milling about and talking when Gert starts playing. It turns into silence as people realize that they are hearing more than just the organ being played.

I always admired them both since his first days of posting. a number of years ago..hope to follow them until leave this world..at 72 could be any day. But life is far better following the two and Gert's progress as a fine organist.

....To play only what is written is the domain of science. To realize what is not written is the domain of art."
- Jean Langlais I wish you the Best for each day, now and always.

As a performer myself, I know firsthand how critical it is to have a competent page turner and registration assistant. These two work in complete harmony and it's great to see that kind of relationship work seamlessly.

About page turning -- I've seen comments before about why pianists don't use music, but organists usually seem to. Maybe things are just more complicated, or they need the notations for which piston to press at a critical moment. Or maybe organists just don't have as good memories!!

As for registrants, they are only needed on ancient organs - some of which have the stops so far away nobody has arms long enough to reach them.

.i.e memory.. I know for me it was always easier to memorize..vocal lines, next piano and finally organ was the hardest to remember.. perhaps my brain has more trouble processing 3 parts vs 1-2. never really thought about it.

As for me and needing an registrant.. I am/ have been fortunate to have toe pistons available for the most part and that makes it far more simple to change registrations IMHO.. Lars has limited pistons available- I believe it is 5- so have to rely on the crescendo pedal. or helpful choir person.

Last edited by wljmrbill; Oct-06-2014 at 20:33.

....To play only what is written is the domain of science. To realize what is not written is the domain of art."
- Jean Langlais I wish you the Best for each day, now and always.

Yes, I do so strongly agree that Gert is a most gifted and talented organist. Also Jan is equally gifted. As I watch him work it becomes obvious to me that I would not be able to do his job. It, I am sure, requires a great amount of concentration and knowledge of music. I am indeed fanatical when it comes to the beautiful, powerful music of a pipe organ and I am thankful for two great young men such as these who so adequately bring out the very best in this wonderful instrument. I wish them much success in their each and every future endeavor. I hope I can see and hear much more of them in the future.

A question for followers of YouTube videos featuring Gert and Jan: do you know which video is the one in which Gert plays and the congregation sings, at which point Jan retrieves some headphones for Gert to hear the singing? I have seen it, but cannot seem to pick out which of the many videos it is...
Thanks for any info. I find the interaction of Jan and Gert just as fascinating as the skill Gert has in playing. It is a delight to watch, and amazing to think of the enormous talent these two boys have.

. . . Lars has limited pistons available- I believe it is 5- so have to rely on the crescendo pedal. or helpful choir person.

No longer ... new church I am going to has 10 generals, 6 divisionals per manual and pedal, and 6 memories. I am in heaven once again, and nice acoustics (1.5 seconds) which is a very welcome change from having minus 5 seconds for 34 years - like playing inside a coffin I suppose.